A 43-year-old man has been jailed for the rape of a 22-year-old woman in Ipswich more than five years ago. 

Hamza Badat appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday where he was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of rape last month following a five-day trial.

Badat, formerly of Levington Road in Ipswich, met the victim at a mutual friend's house on October 25, 2018.

The victim and Badat did not know each other previously and that night Badat dragged her into a bedroom and raped her. 

As well as being jailed, Badat was ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Ipswich Star: Badat was jailed at Ipswich Crown CourtBadat was jailed at Ipswich Crown Court (Image: Suffolk police)

Investigating officer DC Damian Richer, of Suffolk police, praised the victim for coming forward and assisting officers in the investigation.

He said: “This assault on a vulnerable woman was a despicable act and one that the victim has had to live with. In her impact statement she said she will ‘carry this with me, like a nail in the back, with no choice.’

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“The victim has shown incredible courage and strength and has had to wait an incredible amount of time due to a number of adjournments that were out of her control.

"I hope the sentence handed down to Badat will give her some comfort and would like to thank the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor who supported the victim throughout this process.

“I am also grateful to the witnesses who gave evidence that led to convicting this man, who will now have a number of years, behind bars, to reflect on his actions and the destruction he has caused.

“I hope this outcome underlines our commitment to prosecuting sex offenders and that it encourages anyone else who is a victim of this type of offence to come forward.”